Here’s why I am so excited these days (and why you should be too!)

But as most of us are out celebrating this pretty significant birthday, I'd like to point out yet another reason to celebrate (at least for me it is a very happy occasion each year).

We are officially in a full-blown seasonal produce ​bonanza!

And that means the farmer's markets are open for business!

I LOVE to visit different farmer's markets all over the city. Each one is different and has its own, unique character and vendors. Not only you can pick up the freshest produce (most of it has been picked only hours before you purchase it), but there are usually many vendors with non-food items, featuring their artisanal talents. One of my favs is the booth of the Northern Goddess at Lisgar farmers market and her amazing (and all natural) soaps and lotions that are just pure magic.

The Northern Goddess is a must-visit booth for some handmade, totally natural (and totally awesome) soaps and lotions!

There are always great stories to be heard when you take your time, stop and talk to the vendors. Especially farmers seem to enjoy explaining details of how they grow their food, which I always like to listen about (picking up tips for my garden too 🙂 ). And when their farming goes back few generations, some stories can get quite long (but also very interesting). 😉

Have you visited a local farmer's market this season yet?

If not, here are my top 3 reasons why you should!

1. Local produce in season makes you healthier.

Fruits and vegetables picked in season (as offered at the farmer's markets) are at the peak of their ripeness and freshness, meaning they have the most nutrients in them. They did not spend days on tracks and in warehouses artificially ripened with gases or other chemicals to make them look pretty on the shelves of grocery stores. You may have noticed, for example, how different the strawberries taste when you compare a store-bought ones to those freshly picked from the field in June/July.

Not to mention the fact that going to the farmer's market means walking. And sometimes a lot of it. With your groceries in hands. Hello, weight loss...? 😉

2. Seasonal and local produce keeps more money in your wallet.

A no-brainer, really. Shopping for things when there is an abundance of them around means better deals. And if you the kind of person who loves a good bargain, you can negotiate even lower price. Plus you can buy produce in bulk, which is a great option if you know a thing or two about making preserves.

3. Knowing where your food is coming from is important.

Do you know what is the most common condition I am noticing working with my clients?

Malnutrition. Yes, you are reading it correctly.

Most people I work with are suffering from lack of nutrients in their bodies even though they eat more than enough food per day. We are living in a first world country (Happy Birthday Canada, once again!), and yet we are suffering from deficiencies despite eating more and more food.

And it is hardly surprising given the fact that produce is now being shipped halfway across the world, picked before it's truly ready to be consumed ​therefore lacking nutrients. Not to mention that to prevent spoilage during long distance shipping, it is further sprayed or radiated decreasing its nutrient content even more.

Our food system made us disconnected from sources of our food so we are subconsciously looking to reestablish that connection (to fill the void) by consuming more. Our whole perception of food has become distorted.

I think it is crucial for us to get that connection back, renew our relationship with what we consume and pass it on to our young generations to make us all healthier.

Oh, hi there!

Your fellow hockey mom here!
I also happen to be a nutrition expert and a culinary enthusiast. I help overwhelmed and overworked hockey moms ditch health-wrecking trips to the drive-thrus and restore their confidence in their abilities to provide healthy and yummy meals for their little NHL-stars-to-be on the fly, with minimal effort and at a fraction of the cost. More here

The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Kasia Grzesik, RHN. Please note that Kasia Grzesik, RHN is not a dietitian, physician, pharmacist or other licensed healthcare professional. The information on this website is NOT intended as medical advice, nor is it intended to replace the care of a qualified health care professional. This content is not intended to diagnose or treat any diseases. Always consult with your primary care physician or licensed healthcare provider for all diagnosis and treatment of any diseases or conditions, for medications or medical advice as well as before changing your health care regimen.